Here at Southwest General Health Center, we take pride in our work and
in our commitment to providing top quality healthcare and support for
patients in the greater Cleveland area. Community members were responsible
for founding our non-profit, 350-bed hospital in 1920. Since then, we
have continued to build our reputation for service and commitment to the
care and wellness of our neighbors in southwestern Cuyahoga, northern
Medina, and beyond.

One of the factors that continues to set us apart here at Southwest General
Health Center is our team of medical professionals and support staff who
truly care about our community and believe in the work we do. If this
message and perspective resonates with you, consider joining our team
here at Southwest General! Our career opportunities provide plenty of
space to grow and thrive. We focus on ensuring that all of our team members
have prospects for increased wellness, personal fulfillment, and growth
on a professional level.

The Southwest Community Health Foundation helps to provide outstanding
care for patients by raising philanthropic support for Southwest General
within the communities we serve. Leadership at The Foundation includes
a committed Board of Trustees and a talented team of non-profit professionals,
bolstered by the work of our active volunteer committees. Through the
generosity and dedication of our supporters, we will continue our commitment
to the health and wellbeing of greater Cleveland for generations to come.

To schedule an appointment for services at any of our facilities call:440-816-8605*This number is NOT for scheduling a physician office appointment. Please use our
Physician Directory to find a physician office number.

Women's Health

Fitness & Nutrition

Providing fitness and nutrition support for women’s health in the
Cleveland area

At Southwest General, we are committed to helping women of all ages in
our community lead healthier lives with our health and wellness programs.
This commitment is part of the overall medical services we provide and
includes education, programs and facilities in Greater Cleveland focused
on both fitness and nutrition. Proper fitness and nutrition significantly
improves quality of life and results in better overall health.

Health and Wellness Through Exercise

At Southwest General, we believe that the importance of regular exercise
is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellness and
should include:

Exercise Guidelines

Before starting any exercise program be sure to check with your health
care provider to make sure it is safe for you to do so and to find out
what limitations you should be aware of so that you may safely exercise.

Women who exercise should do so at least three to five times a week for
20 to 60 minutes at a time. Your exercise routine should include activity
that involves large muscle groups and increases your heart rate (for example
walking, running, cycling, or swimming) and also include strength training
and flexibility exercises. When you have selected your routine, always
be sure to practice the following recommendations to avoid injury:

Always do both warm-up and cool-down exercises for at least three to five minutes to prepare your body for the exercise.
Warm-up and cool-down exercises can be light activity (like slow walking
or stretching).

Never "work through the pain" when exercising. Doing so may result in injury.

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.

Wear appropriate clothing. (If exercising indoors or on a hot day, be sure to wear cool clothing.
If exercising outside in cool weather, be sure that your head, hands,
and feet are kept warm.)

LifeWorks of Southwest General

Southwest General conducts physical fitness programs for women in Greater
Cleveland at its LifeWorks facility located at 7390 Old Oak Blvd., Middleburg
Heights, Ohio 44130. This premier health and fitness facility provides
a comfortable atmosphere in which professional staff assist members toward
living a healthier lifestyle. Membership includes six appointments with
an exercise specialist and a personal trainer as well as more than 100
weekly group exercise classes, including TRX, Spinning, Zumba and so much
more. For more information, call
440-816-4210.

Nutrition for Health and Wellness

The importance of following a healthy and nutritious diet, besides maintaining
your overall health, is essential in weight control, improving your body’s
condition and reducing the potential for acquiring chronic diseases such
as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even cancer. It also can help
to improve your body image.

Dietary Guidelines

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are jointly issued and updated every
five years by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS). These guidelines provide authoritative
advice for Americans aged two and older about:

Consuming fewer calories

Making informed food choices

Being physically active to attain and maintain a healthy weight

Reducing risk of chronic disease

Promoting overall health

A Healthy Diet

Southwest General’s dietary guidelines follow “Dietary Guidelines
for Americans,” which are jointly issued and updated every five
years by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS). These guidelines describe a healthy diet as one that:

The recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and in
MyPlate are for the general public aged two years old or older. Please note that
MyPlate is not a therapeutic diet for any specific health condition. Individuals
with a chronic health condition should consult with a health care provider
to determine what dietary pattern is appropriate for them. “The
Dietary Guidelines in MyPlate” help individuals to:

Make smart choices from every food group

Find balance between food and physical activity

Get the most nutrition out of calories

Stay within daily calorie needs

Fitness, Nutrition and Body Image

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) advises women not to develop an
unrealistic perspective of their health by comparing themselves to women
appearing on the covers of magazines etc. Poor self esteem and body image
can cause one to develop an unrealistic perspective of their personal
health and result in inappropriate exercise or nutrition habits which
in turn can result in serious health conditions.

We Look Forward to Helping You

To learn more about Southwest General’s women’s fitness and
nutrition services in Cleveland, please call our Health Connection at
440-816-5050.